The Effect Of Ultra-Processed Food On Men

Negative Effects Of Ultra Processed Foods Demonstrated in Males

A recent study from Scandinavia has demonstrated that men eating ultra-processed foods gain more fat than those eating unprocessed meals, even when they consume an equal amount of calories.

The study also revealed that a diet high in ultra-processed foods could potentially have an effect on sperm quality in men. The study looked at 43 men aged between 20-35 who spent 3 months on each of the 2 diets with a 3-month washout period in between.

Half of the men received a high-calorie diet containing 500 daily calories more than required, while the other half received a normal calorie intake for someone of their age and physical activity. The subjects were blinded to which diet they were on.

Both the ultra-processed and unprocessed diets had the same amount of calories, protein, carbs, and fats.

The men gained about 1 kilogram more fat mass while on the ultra-processed diet compared to the unprocessed diet, regardless of whether they were on the normal or increased calorie diet.

Scientists also discovered an increase in a chemical used in plastics in men on the ultra-processed diet.

Men on this diet also saw decreases in their level of testosterone and follicle stimulating hormone which are important in sperm production.

You can read the full paper here.

Dr Phil Lockie

Reference

Jessica M. Preston, Jo Iversen, Antonia Hufnagel, Line Hjort, Jodie Taylor, Clara Sanchez, Victoria George, Ann N. Hansen, Lars Ängquist, Susan Hermann, Jeffrey M. Craig, Signe Torekov, Christian Lindh, Karin S. Hougaard, Marcelo A. Nóbrega, Stephen J. Simpson, Romain Barrès. Effect of ultra-processed food consumption on male reproductive and metabolic health. Cell Metabolism, 2025; DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2025.08.004